Basketball Hoop Reviews

Archives for 2012

Lifetime 71799 In-Ground Basketball System

By

Pros

Sturdy, small footprint, adjustable, overhang, price

Cons

A Portable type Basketball hoop that is actually inground, backboard size and thickness, pole design, size, and shape, cement installation. Problems with installation. Maybe a little wobbly.

Overall Rating


The Lifetime 71799 is an entry-level model that features a 50 inch backboard that can be adjusted from 7.5 to 10 feet in 6 inch increments. The rim has double compression springs to allow for dunking. The pole comes in 3 sections with a diameter of 3.5 inches. The backboard is made out of Makrolon, which is a strong form of polycarbonate. A UV coating has been applied in order to prevent yellowing. The hoop adjusts with the use of a handle. The 71799 is backed by a 5-year warranty. Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 6 inches ; 88 pounds.

What To Like

  • Sturdy. The main benefit of installing an in-ground basketball hoop is stability. Basketball enthusiasts love this, as not only does it look more professional, but you don’t have to worry about it moving during play. The hoop in general will be more rigid and durable compared to similar portable models.
  • Small footprint. While portable models in this price range are small as well, the difference is that they have a base that takes up more space. Of course, an in-ground model doesn’t have this.
  • Adjustable. With height adjustment down to 7.5 feet, children can benefit from shooting on a lower hoop. They can also have fun dunking if they are old enough. The adjustment is very easy, it’s simply a matter of grabbing the handle and moving it up or down.
  • Overhang. Because it has no base, this model allows for play underneath the hoop. You also don’t have to worry as much about bumping into the pole. In general, it allows for more realistic play.
  • Polycarbonate backboard. This material is pretty strong, and should hold up long-term. I wouldn’t recommend adults dunking and hanging on the rim though.
  • Price. For just under $375, the Lifetime 71799 is priced very affordable.

What Not To Like

  • Not portable. The downside with an in-ground model is that it can’t be moved around like a portable model could. You can’t remove it unless you dig up the concrete.
  • Backboard size & thickness. While 50″ is respectable, it’s still small for a backboard. The bigger the backboard, the better. 54″ is the minimum I look for. 50″ is too small for a 2-car driveway. The backboard is also thin and therefore not as rigid.
  • Pole design, size, and shape. This pole comes in sections of 3, which is fine for casual players. But it’s not going to be as strong as one pole. The square poles are better because they are more stable. The size is 3.5 inches, which once again makes it less rigid.
  • Adjustable in increments. Some of the more expensive models allow for infinite adjustment. This means that you can make micro-adjustments, while this model adjusts every 6 inches only.
  • Cement installation. The pole will have to be directly cemented into the ground. This will require some work on your end.

Reviews from Around the Web

Amazon.com: (13) 5 Stars – ‘Great for the Price…’

Amazon.com: (10) 4 Stars – ‘The directions could have been a little more clear…’

Amazon.com: (6) 3 Stars – ‘It does seem to wobble a bit…’

Summary

The Lifetime 71799 is designed primarily for children and casual play. The backboard is a bit small, and it’s not very rigid. Plus, you will have to go through the trouble of pouring cement. However, being cemented in-ground will make it more sturdy and allow for more realistic play. It’s also adjustable and it’s very affordable for most families.  To us this is more of a portable hoop quality and is one of our lower rated inground hoops.

For the Cheapest Price, Most Customer Support and best Return Policy we Recommend Amazon.com for your basketball hoop purchase. Orders processed Through Amazon.com

Spalding 68562 Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Micro-adjustable, 60-inch backboard, Arena Slam breakaway rim, stable

Cons

16-inch overhang, round 3.5 inch pole, acrylic backboard

Overall Rating

The Spalding 6852 is a mid-level portable basketball hoop. It features an acrylic 60-inch backboard and heavy-duty steel frame. The Arena Slam breakaway rim has steel support braces and an institutional style wrap. The adjustment ranges in infinite increments from 7.5 to 10 feet with the Screw Jack lift system. Once the height is set, the handle can be removed. The base can hold 40 gallons of water or sand. The three-piece pole is 3.5 inches in diameter, and the overhang is 16-inches. Dimensions: 58 x 35 x 15 inches ; 100 pounds.

What To Like

  • Portable. This is ideal for those who want nothing to do with inground models, and would like to move it around when necessary. You can take it anywhere you want it as long as it’s on a level surface.
  • Adjustable. While a lot of hoops nowadays have this feature, this one has infinite adjustment. This separates it from some of the less expensive hoops that adjust in 6-inch increments. You can remove the handle from the jack to prevent injury and tampering. Children benefit the most from this feature.
  • Backboard size. Regulation sized width is 72-inches, and this one is 60-inches, so it’s not far off. It’s big enough for a 2 or 3-car driveway, and allows for bank shots from various angles. It’s suitable for more serious play by adults.
  • Arena Slam breakaway rim. The design mimics some of the rims you would see in gym. The support braces and smooth spring action will take some pressure off the backboard during play. It also makes the rim softer, allowing for the ball to bounce in more frequently while shooting. It’s strong enough to handle adults dunking on it.
  • Front cover. The cover gives the hoop a more professional look, plus it serves as a rebounder when the ball goes through the net.
  • Stability. While it’s $200 more, the Spalding 6852 is 50 pounds heavier than Lifetime 71524 model, even though it basically has the same pole and base. This added weight makes it more stable. Of course, it actually will weigh a lot more once the base is filled up.

What To Like

  • 16-inch overhang. This doesn’t provide enough space to play underneath the basket, and players will be more susceptible to bumping into the front cover.
  • Round 3.5 inch pole. Square poles are the strongest, plus 3.5 inches isn’t any larger than some of the less expensive models. I would have expected a stronger pole, especially for a 60-inch backboard. Plus, it comes in sections of 3, which is not ideal.
  • Acrylic backboard. Polycarbonate is actually a stronger material than acrylic, which is found on some lower level hoops. Acrylic isn’t bad, as it does mimic indoor baskets in appearance. However, you will notice little scuff marks after a while, and it can attract mildew.

Summary

The 60-inch backboard is probably the most appealing trait of the Spalding 68562. There is nothing extraordinary about it, but it’s a pretty solid hoop all around. It’s stable, has a large-sized backboard, and has a high-quality rim. I would say that it’s worth the price tag.

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Lifetime 71524 XL Adjustable Portable Basketball System

By

Pros

Portable, adjustable, 54-inch backboard, breakaway rim, price

Cons

3-piece round pole, little overhang, assembly

Overall Rating

The 71524 XL Basketball System features a 54-inch Makrolon polycarbonate backboard with a ShatterGuard steel frame. The hoop adjusts between 7.5 to 10 feet with no increments. Included is a breakaway style rim, a 3.5 inch round pole, and built-in wheels for transportation. The pole is powder-coated and resistant to rust. The base has a capacity of 35 gallons. The 71524 XL is backed by a 5 year warranty. Dimensions: 56 x 34 x 12 inches ; 50 pounds

What To Like

  • Portable. The built-in wheels allow for it to be moved without much trouble. This feature is ideal if you have limited space or don’t want to do a cement installation.
  • Adjustable. While other portable hoops offered by Lifetime also adjust from 7.5 to 10 feet, this model can adjust infinitely instead of in increments. To adjust, simply squeeze the handle and lift or lower. Children under 10 in particular can benefit from this feature.
  • 54-inch polycarbonate backboard. The size is large enough for a one or two car driveway. It also allows for bank shots from the side. Typically, the higher the price, the larger the backboard. Regulation size is 72 inches wide. The polycarbonate material is a pretty strong plastic that will be hard to break.
  • Spring-back pro rim. This style of rim contains springs so it has give, which makes it suitable for dunking and hanging on it. Another effect is that the ball will bounce softer when shooting from long-range.
  • Price. While not the cheapest hoop you will find, the price is still affordable for middle-income families.

What Not To Like

  • 3-piece round pole. One of the downsides of a portable hoop is that the pole isn’t going to be as strong as an inground model. Of course, unless you are willing spend thousands. A square, one-piece pole is the best for performance.
  • Little overhang. Only the high priced portable models have a lot of space from the pole to the backboard, so it’s not expected. But, it does decrease the chance of bumping into the pole while playing. Also, it allows for more play under the basket.
  • Assembly. A few customers noted that it took in the 6-9 hour range to assemble. The complaint is that the instructions were hard to follow. The more people who help with the installation, the better.

Summary

The Lifetime 71524 XL brings a lot to the table. It has a 54-inch backboard, which is large enough for a 2 car driveway. The breakaway rim is ideal for dunking, and it can be raised or lowered to accommodate certain players. This hoop is suitable for children and adult players. For the price, this is a very solid hoop and has good quality overall.

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